Cocaine dealer sentenced to 12 1/2 years

A Madison man was sentenced to 12 1/2 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute cocaine.

Joe Angel Cruz, 32, pleaded guilty to the charge in November.

Prosecutors said authorities used a confidential informant to make recorded drug purchases from Cruz. The complaint also stated Cruz arranged drug deals with assistance from his girlfriend while he was jailed on state charges.

On a number of transactions, the drug deals were conducted in the presence of the young children of Cruzs' girlfriend, according to prosecutors.

The federal case involved the distribution of 163 grams of cocaine.

The judge found Cruz was a career offender based on previous convictions, including felonies for drug dealing and violent crimes. The finding was part of the judge’s sentencing decision.

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